Moray SNP News

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has today welcomed comments made by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf MSP that the progression of route N as part of the A96 dualling is 'highly unlikely'.

Following a meeting between Mr Lochhead and Mr Yousaf in September the Transport Minister has written to the Moray MSP confirming that while the various options being considered must go through the correct assessment process his view is that option N is 'highly unlikely' to be chosen.

Richard Lochhead has previously raised his strong reservations to option N and expressed these at the meeting with the minister last month.

Commenting on the view expressed by the Transport Minister, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

"I am very grateful to Humza Yousaf for looking in to this issue personally and for listening to the concerns expressed by the community and myself during our recent meeting.

"I very much welcome that the Transport Minister, having looked at the effects of option N, has said that it is 'highly unlikely' that this route will be progressed. I believe that routing the dualled A96 away from all of our towns and city of Elgin really is a non-starter.

"The commitment of the Scottish Government to dual of the A96 is hugely significant and the results will be of great benefit to the people and economy of Moray.

"However, it's important that local views are taken in to account. Therefore, I am delighted that the Government have listened and expressed that route N is unlikely to go ahead. This will come as a great relief, and give comfort, to many people in Moray albeit I know that they will want the final decision taken in good time."

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